As the search and rescue work continues, public frustration is growing. Families of those who remain trapped in the capsized ferry have voiced their anger at what they see as a slow response to the tragedy.
It seems like a regular Sunday in front of the Seoul station. People seems busily going about their business as usual. But once there is a television set, people’s eyes are glued on it.
Five days since the 480 foot ferry, Sewol sunk off the coast of Jindo. Korean media have been broadcasting the accidents 24 hours a day, reporting on the desperate search and rescue work, and the fate of the passengers trapped inside.
The large media interest was not only due to the large number of passengers trapped, but because majority were high school teenagers on their way for their school trip.
Death toll begun to rise as divers find more and more bodies from inside the ferry, and families direct their pain and anger towards the authorities.
"Take out my child, take out my child please. I’ve heard they are all dead. Bring me the body so that I can see the face and hug my child. What am I going to do? They are likely dead already." A mother of missing student Bae Sun-Ok said.
However, some families were also upset that the attention concentrated on the students, while their loved ones were also trapped inside.
There were over a hundred other passengers on board. And many are still trapped with the students. Some families Directed a question at the media asking if their loved ones were not as important and equally pained in loosing them.
The news was covered by many international media. From U.S., Europe across to Japan and DPRK.
"The South Korean channel CBS stated that the families of the victims are greatly distressed as the rescue operation is making very slow progress, adding that the parents of the dead students are crying out and demanding bringing their children to life." KRT Newsreader said.
Funeral services were held in number of locations for those that were found. Grieving families and friends saying their last words. But there are still hundreds of passengers missing and South Korea will yet to see many more day of mournings for the victims of the accident.
